AD User Guide 2.1 En

7/31/2019 AD User Guide 2.1 En

1/299

Advance Design

User's Guide


2/299

This document has been very carefully prepared in the hope to meet your expectationsand to answer all your questions regarding Advance Design.

This document only contains a brief description of the software functions and may onlybe used as a guide for using the software. It can also include information about somemodules you did not acquire. For detailed information regarding the program's functions,please refer to the online help provided in Advance Design.

In case of any discrepancy between the information given in this guide and theinformation given in the software, consider the software as your main reference.

The content of this guide is subject to change without notice. Any reproduction ordistribution, even if partial, by any means - electronically or mechanically - of thecontents of the present guide and other supplied documentation is strictly forbidden ifmade without GRAITEC explicit authorization.

GRAITEC, Bivres, 2006. All rights reserved.

Windows 2000

and Windows XP

are trade marks or registered trademarks of theMicrosoft Corporation.

DXF and AutoCAD

are trademarks or registered trademarks of AutoDesk Inc. SanRafael, CA.

All the other marks belong to their owners.

Ref. AD_0005


3/299

ADVANCE DESIGN USER'S GUIDE

Contents

WELCOME......................................................................................................................................................1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................2About this manual .................................................................................................................. 3Contact Graitec.......................................................................................................................3

CHAPTER 1 ADVANCE DESIGN INSTALLATION .......................................................................................5General requirements ............................................................................................................ 6Hardware configuration............................................................................................................................6Software configuration .............................................................................................................................6Installation ..............................................................................................................................6Installing a version for one user...............................................................................................................6Installing a network version......................................................................................................................9

What is a NETHASP key?................................................................................................................9 How to install a NETHASP key? ......................................................................................................9Security configuration .........................................................................................................11Uninstalling...........................................................................................................................12 Start Advance Design .......................................................................................................... 12Advance Design file and folder management....................................................................12

CHAPTER 2 PROJECT MANAGEMENT .....................................................................................................13Creating a project.................................................................................................................14Localization...........................................................................................................................14 Project configuration ........................................................................................................... 15Import/Export........................................................................................................................18 Saving the project ................................................................................................................ 19

CHAPTER 3 ADVANCE DESIGN ENVIRONMENT..................................................................................... 21Main screen description ......................................................................................................22Menus ....................................................................................................................................25Menu bar ................................................................................................................................................25Context menu.........................................................................................................................................27Toolbars ................................................................................................................................28Display the environment elements ..................................................................................... 34Pilot ........................................................................................................................................................34Properties window..................................................................................................................................35Status bar...............................................................................................................................................36Command line ........................................................................................................................................37Views management.............................................................................................................. 38Zoom......................................................................................................................................................38View types..............................................................................................................................................39

i


4/299


Display management .............................................................................................................................43Display styles .........................................................................................................................................43CAD display settings ..............................................................................................................................46Rendering settings .................................................................................................................................49Workspace configuration.................................................................................................... 50Coordinate systems................................................................................................................................50Workplane ..............................................................................................................................................52

CHAPTER 4 WORKING STEPS .................................................................................................................. 55Model mode .......................................................................................................................... 56Components of the Model mode............................................................................................................56Organize the model's elements in the Pilot............................................................................................57Drawing principles..................................................................................................................................58Drawing methods ...................................................................................................................................59Drawing the descriptive model's elements.............................................................................................63

Structure elements .................................................................................................................................63 Linear elements..............................................................................................................................63 Planar elements..............................................................................................................................64 Structure assemblies ......................................................................................................................65Calculation elements..............................................................................................................................68 Supports .........................................................................................................................................68 Windwalls........................................................................................................................................70 Masses ...........................................................................................................................................73Geometric elements ...............................................................................................................................73 Points..............................................................................................................................................73 Lines ...............................................................................................................................................74Help entities............................................................................................................................................76 Coordinate lines..............................................................................................................................76 Dimension lines ..............................................................................................................................76 Grids ...............................................................................................................................................77Configuration of sections and materials .................................................................................................78Materials.................................................................................................................................................78Sections..................................................................................................................................................80Objects handling.....................................................................................................................................83Select elements......................................................................................................................................83Move elements.......................................................................................................................................88Copy elements .......................................................................................................................................91Transform elements ...............................................................................................................................96 Deform elements ............................................................................................................................96 Cut ..................................................................................................................................................96 Trim or extend ................................................................................................................................97 Subdivide........................................................................................................................................98 Create slab openings......................................................................................................................99 Split windwalls ................................................................................................................................99 Create fillets..................................................................................................................................100 Convert lines to structure elements..............................................................................................101 Extrude points and lines ...............................................................................................................102Renumbering elements ........................................................................................................................103Loading the structure ...........................................................................................................................104

ii


5/299


Create a case family ............................................................................................................................105 Wind .............................................................................................................................................106 Snow.............................................................................................................................................106 Seism............................................................................................................................................107Create a load case...............................................................................................................................109 Self weight....................................................................................................................................110 Static.............................................................................................................................................110 Seismic.........................................................................................................................................111Create loads.........................................................................................................................................112 Generate loads.............................................................................................................................113 Load types....................................................................................................................................114Define the analysis hypotheses ...........................................................................................................115Create analysis types...........................................................................................................................115 Modal analysis..............................................................................................................................115 Generalized-buckling....................................................................................................................117 Static nonlinear analysis...............................................................................................................117Create envelopes .................................................................................................................................119Create combinations ............................................................................................................................121 Create a user-defined combination..............................................................................................121 Load predefined combinations .....................................................................................................122Saving CAD views................................................................................................................................123Creating animation...............................................................................................................................124Verify the descriptive model .................................................................................................................126Create the analysis model....................................................................................................................128Analysis mode .................................................................................................................... 129Hypotheses step ..................................................................................................................................129Meshing................................................................................................................................................130 Mesh configuration.......................................................................................................................131 Mesh display.................................................................................................................................132Elements of analysis modeling ............................................................................................................133 Points............................................................................................................................................134 Lines.............................................................................................................................................134 DOF restraints ..............................................................................................................................134 DOF constraints............................................................................................................................135 Symmetry conditions....................................................................................................................136 Section cuts..................................................................................................................................136Calculation ...........................................................................................................................................137Exploitation step...................................................................................................................................139

Configuration of F.E. results display ....................................................................................................140Finite elements result types .................................................................................................................141 Displacements..............................................................................................................................141 Forces...........................................................................................................................................141 Stresses........................................................................................................................................142 Eigen modes.................................................................................................................................142 Torsors .........................................................................................................................................142Choosing load cases for post-processing............................................................................................143Results representation modes .............................................................................................................144 Graphical exploitation of results on the analysis model ...............................................................144 Result curves................................................................................................................................149 Stresses diagrams for linear elements.........................................................................................157

iii


6/299


Exploitation methods............................................................................................................................158 Exploitation views .........................................................................................................................158 Animation......................................................................................................................................159 Calculation reports........................................................................................................................160Document mode................................................................................................................. 171

CHAPTER 5 ADVANCE DESIGN EXPERTS............................................................................................. 173Reinforced Concrete Design............................................................................................. 174Definition of concrete design regulatory combinations ........................................................................174Concrete design hypotheses................................................................................................................175 Global hypotheses........................................................................................................................175 Local hypotheses..........................................................................................................................178Reinforced concrete calculation...........................................................................................................180Configuration of concrete results display .............................................................................................180Concrete Design results types .............................................................................................................181Post-processing of Concrete Design results........................................................................................182Columns calculation.............................................................................................................................183Steel Design ....................................................................................................................... 185Definition of steel design regulatory combinations...............................................................................185Steel Design Hypotheses.....................................................................................................................186 Global hypotheses........................................................................................................................186 Local hypotheses..........................................................................................................................188Stored shapes ......................................................................................................................................189Steel calculation ...................................................................................................................................190Configuration of steel results display ...................................................................................................190Steel Design results types....................................................................................................................191Post-processing of Steel Design results ..............................................................................................192Shape Sheets.......................................................................................................................................194Shapes optimization.............................................................................................................................196Define design templates.................................................................................................... 197

CHAPTER 6 TUTORIAL EXAMPLES........................................................................................................ 199A 2D metallic portal frame................................................................................................. 200A 2D truss on 2 supports .................................................................................................. 217A metallic framework with 6 portal frames and a concrete floor................................... 230A concrete slab hinged on three sides ............................................................................ 246A reinforced concrete building with two storeys............................................................ 261A circular water tank.......................................................................................................... 275

INDEX ......................................................................................................................................................... 289Index.................................................................................................................................... 290

iv


7/299

Welcome

In this chapter:Welcome to Advance Design, structural analysis software designed forthe construction field. From the elements modeling to the structurecalculation, results exploitation and structure optimization, AdvanceDesign offers a complete environment for the structural analysis byfinite element method.

Introduction

About this manual

Contact Graitec


8/299


Introduction

Advance Design is a complete solution for the analysis of complex structures by the finite elements method. Itprovides a wide range of functions specialized in advanced CAD modeling, meshing, calculation, expert design andresults post-processing.

Advance Design provides tools for the plan and 3D structure modeling, loading generation, structure meshing, modelcalculation, verification and optimization of reinforced concrete and steelwork constructions by the chosen regulations,and results post-processing. You may generate afterwards high quality report notes.

The program's interface is intuitive and easy to work with. The work process in Advance Design environment isdesigned by three operating modes:

Model mode: generate structure elements (beams, slabs, foundations, walls etc), create loadings (point, linear,planar loads), organize the model elements in systems and subsystems and define the analysis hypotheses.

Analysis mode: perform the model meshing, launch calculation and exploit the results.

Document mode: generate and view calculation reports, memorize and organize model views and exploitationviews.

2


9/299


10/299


11/299

Chapter 1Advance Design installation

In this chapter:This chapter provides information regarding the Advance Designgeneral requirements and installation steps. It describes in detail theinstallation procedures for a one user version and for a networkutilization of the program.

You can find here also information regarding the application launchingmethods and the Advance Design files management in your computer.

General requirements

Installation

Security configuration Uninstalling

Start Advance Design

Advance Design file and foldermanagement


12/299


General requirements

Hardware configuration

A PC computer or compatible equipped with a Pentium IV processor (or equivalent)

512 MB RAM memory (1024 MB recommended)

At least 150 MB space available on the hard drive for installation

A CD-ROM reader

Windows compatible graphics adapter (128 MB video RAM recommended)

Windows compatible printer or plotter with supplied drivers

Mouse

Software configuration

Operating System: Windows 2000 Pro or XP Pro (or newer)

Screen resolution: 1024 x 768

24 bit color palette recommended

Installation

Before installing Advance Design, you must:

Under Windows 2000 or XP, make sure that you have administrator rights

Close all opened applications

Make sure that the provided security key is in place

Installing a version for one user

1. Insert the Advance Design CD-ROM in the reader

2. The setup program starts automatically and the following dialog box is displayed:

Note: If the starting screen doesn't appear automatically after introducing the CD-ROM in the reader, doubleclick on "Setup.exe" to launch the installation.

6


13/299


3. To install Advance Design click on "SETUP". The installation starts automatically:

Follow the steps proposed by the installation wizard. Click on "Next" to continue:

4. Read the license agreement. Click on "Yes" to accept the terms and continue the installation:

7


14/299


5. If you want to change the installation path, click on "Browse". Click on "Next" to continue:

6. Wait a few moments while the Advance Design is installed on your computer. When finished, the followingwindow is displayed:

7. Click on "Finish". Advance Design installation is complete. Before launching the application, make sure toconfigure properly the security settings (see page 11).

Note: As an administrator of the computer on which Advance Design has been installed, you must configure theprogram's utilization rights for other users. The users that log in on the same computer should have fullread / write rights in "Projects" and "Resources" folders found in the Advance Design installation directory(Program Files / Graitec / Advance Design).

Each user of the same computer must configure the security settings for Advance Design (as shown onpage11), as the system configuration differs for each user that log in to the computer.

8


15/299


Installing a network version

Using Advance Design in a local network allows:

The utilization of a number of N licenses simultaneously on a single security key

The installation of Advance Design on a workstation connected to a server without using the installation CD-ROM

For a network installation of the program a NETHASP security key is required.

What is a NETHASP key?

A NETHASP key is a security key designed for network utilization. This key is connected to the server and allowsthe simultaneous utilization of the program by a N number of workstations.

In this example there are 18 workstations connected to a server. 6 licenses have been acquired, thus only 6workstations can use the program simultaneously. At any moment, a user may decide to quit the work session onits station. Consequently, another user can start a new session of the program on another station, with thecondition that the total number of work sessions does not exceed the number of acquired licenses.

Note: The number of acquired licenses is memorized on the provided security key, which is connected to theserver.

How to install a NETHASP key?

The steps below must be performed by the network administrator only:

1. Connect the NETHASP key to the server. Check if the network connections work properly.

2. Install the HASP drivers on the server, as follows:

From the Advance Design CD-ROM, launch protection \ hasp \ Drivers \ Windows 32-bit, 64-bit \HASP4 \ hdd32.exe

The installation application for the NETHASP drivers opens in a window:

9


16/299


Click on "Next" to read the license agreement

Click on "Install" and wait while the drivers are being installed

Click on "Finish" to exit when the installation is done

3. Install the NETHASP License Manager application. This application allows the communication betweenAdvance Design and the NETHASP security key and manages the software utilization by the workstations in

the network. Proceed as follows:

From the Advance Design CD-ROM, launch protection \ hasp \ SERVERS \ Win32 \ lmsetup.exe

The installation application for the NETHASP LM opens in a window:

Click on "Next" to read the license agreement

Click again on "Next" and, in the following screen, select the desired installation type:

Click on "Next" and follow the steps proposed by the installation wizard. The HASP LM application isinstalled automatically.

When the installation is done, click on "Finished".

Note: The HASP License Manager application must be active in order to make the NETHASP

security key available for the network.An icon on the taskbar notifies when the HASP License Manager is active. Double click on it if you wantto maximize the application window:

4. Restart the server. After that, the workstations of the network can start to use Advance Design, while theHASP License Manager installed on the server manages the license protection.

10


17/299


18/299


Uninstalling

1. In Windows Start menu, choose Settings > Control Panel.

2. Double-click on Add/Remove Programs.

3. Select Advance Design and click on Change/Remove.4. Click on OK.

5. Check Remove box and click on Next to continue.

6. Click on OK.

7. Click on Finish.

Start Advance Design

You can launch Advance Design using various methods: From Windows Start menu, choose Programs. Select Graitec menu and click on the Advance Design sub-

menu.

You can also double-click on the Advance Design icon on your desktop.

After launching Advance Design, you can:

Start a new project:

From menu: choose File > New

From Standard toolbar: click on

Press Ctrl + N keys

Open an existing project:

From menu: choose File > Open

From Standard toolbar: click on

Press Ctrl + O keys

To start another work session simultaneously:

Double-click on an existing .fto file from its disk location

Double-click on the Advance Design icon on your desktop

Advance Design file and folder management

For each launching, Advance Design creates by default an *.fto file and a correspondent folder - containing threesubordinate folders named "data", "document" and "result". After saving the project, you should not delete any of thosefolders, because they contain all the project's data and settings.

12


19/299


20/299


21/299


22/299


23/299


24/299


25/299


26/299


27/299


28/299


Main screen description

Pilot Menu bar Toolbars Graphic area Cursor

Properties window Coordinate system symbol Command line Status bar

22


29/299


30/299


Cursor

In the graphic area, a hand-shaped element represents the default mouse pointer. Considering the current

operation, the mouse pointer takes different shapes:

Using the mouse scrollUse the mouse scroll up and down for zoom in or zoom out thearea where the cursor is positioned

Zoom +/- Zoom in / zoom out

Zooming the selection

Zoom the selection inZoom Window*

Zoom the selection out

* With the zoom window tool activated: drag from right to left to zoom in or drag from left to right to zoomthe selection out. During those operations, you will notice that the cursor changes its shape.

Panning all

Horizontal panningTranslation (panning)*

Vertical panning

Free rotation.

Rotation around the camera's Z axis.

Rotation around the camera's X axis.

Zoom

Rotation*

Rotation around the camera's Y axis.

* To switch between the different modes of translation and rotation, select the corresponding icon from

the toolbar and press Tab key. During those operations, you will notice that the cursor changes itsshape.

Draw

Cut

Subdivide

Trim or extend

Move an extremity of the object

Edit objects

Move

Move the whole object

24


31/299


Menus

Menu bar

You can access Advance Design commands using the menu bar available at the top of drawing area. It contains 11drop-down menus, which you can display as follows:

Click the menu to unwind it and choose a command by clicking on its name;

Press Alt key while typing the underlined letter in the menu name. For example, press Alt + F to access Filemenu. With the arrow keys you can move through the menu list and press Enter to access the chosen command.For menu commands with underlined letters: first access the menu list, then press the underlined letter to accessthe specified command. For example, press Alt + F to access File menu, then press O to access "Open"command.

When a menu command appears disabled means that it is notaccessible at the moment.

A menu command followed by an arrow means that an associatedcommands list is available. Keep the cursor above the commandname for a moment to display the subordinate list of commands.

File menu

Contains commands of file management (open, close, save...) and projectconfiguration.

Edit menu

With edit commands you can control the work steps (undo / redo) and the objectsoperations (measure; select; configure parameters).

25


32/299


33/299


Analyze menu

In Analysis mode, this group of commands allows you to verify your model, calculateand configure the results display.

Documents menu

Contains calculation notes commands (gives access to the Report Generator).

Options menu

Includes commands referring to the file path and save options, mesh type andworking units' settings.

Tools menu

Gives access to different commands useful for additional configuration, as countingthe structure elements and configuring the calculation sequences.

Help menu

Allows you to access help commands and information links.

Context menu

This type of menu allows a fast access to certain commands that are available in the menu bar as well. You candisplay context menus when you right-click on different areas of the application environment. For example:

Right-click on the edge of the drawing area: displays the list of interface components;

Right-click in the drawing area: displays a menu containing specific commands for each step of the model design(generating elements, calculation) and general commands of working with objects (selection; zoom etc).

For each action performed in the drawing area, the context menu contains commands that help you work easierwith the application. For example: "Finish" command cancels any command you have accessed (its function isidentical with the Esc key's).

Right-click on the selected object: displays a list of commands associated to object modifications and creationtools (move, copy, cut, input elements on selection etc).

Right-click in the Pilot: displays a list of commands specific to the current working mode. Each item from the Pilothas a specific context menu.

27


34/299


Toolbars

You can access Advance Design commands using toolbars, which can be easily displayed or hidden. You can accesstoolbars:

From menu: choose Display > Toolbars

From context menu: right-click on the edge of the drawing area and select the toolbar you want to display.

Each toolbar contains icons corresponding to a specific group of commands.

Icons with a black triangle on the bottom-right corner are flyouts.

Keep the icon pressed to display the list of subordinate icons.

Advance Design toolbars can be displayed as floating (located anywhere in the drawing area) or docked (attached toany edge of the drawing area). Therefore, you can organize and anchor them anywhere in the program's environment.Double-click on the upper-side of a toolbar to dock or undock it.

Advance Design toolbars description

Standard

New

Open

Save

E-mail

Print preview

Print

Undo

Redo

Display/hide the pilot

28


35/299


Modeling

Save view

Create a pointCreate a line

Create an arc by 3 points

Create a circle by center and radius

Create a linear element

Create chained linear elements

Create a vertical linear element by 1 point

Create a horizontal linear element by 2 points

Create a planar element

Create a vertical planar element by 2 points

Create a horizontal planar element

Create a rigid point support

Create an elastic point support

Create a T/C point support

Create a rigid linear support

Create an elastic linear support

Create a T/C linear support

Create a rigid planar support

Create an elastic planar support

Create a T/C planar support

Create a windwall element

Create a point load

Create a linear load

Create a planar load

The combo that contains all the model's static load cases

Verify

Analysis - Hypotheses

Save view

Create a point

Create a line

Create an arc by 3 points

Create a circle by center and radius

Create a DOF restraint

Create a DOF constraint

Launch and display the mesh

Expert check

Display "Calculation sequence" dialog box

29


36/299


Filters and selection

Selection mode

Selection by criteriaInvert selection

Filter

Ghost display on selection

Display all

Zoom and views

Front View (Alt + 1)

Top View (Alt + 3)

View (-1, -1, -1) (Alt + 4)

Display or hide the workplane (F7)

Zoom +/-

Zoom window

Zoom all

Translation (panning)

Rotation around the model

Return to previous view

Predefined views

Ortho projection or perspective

No Split (dividing of the graphic area): 1 view

Vertical Split : 2 views

Horizontal Split : 2 views

Split : 1 + 2 views

Split : 2 + 1 views

Split : 4 views

Front View (Alt + 1)

Right View (Alt + 2)

Top View (Alt + 3)

View (-1, -1, -1) (Alt + 4)

View (1, -1, 1) (Alt + 5)

View (-1, -1, 1) (Alt + 6)

View (-1, 1, 1) (Alt + 7)

Facing the workplane

30


37/299


Workplane

Display or hide the workplane (F7)

Cartesian/polar workplane

Define the workplane by projection on the active view

Define the workplane by 3 points

Define the workplane: point + normal

Center the workplane on the model

Move the workplane by altitude

Snap modes

Enable / DisableEndpoint

Midpoint

Intersection

Center

Nearest

Perpendicular

Parallel

Extension mode

Tracking mode

Ortho mode

Relative mode

CAD Modifications

Copy

Move

Symmetries

Extrusion of a linear element

Plane symmetry (mirror) / Axial symmetry

Rotation (Input angle)

Subdividing

Cut

Trim or extend

Create a fillet

Create openings

Delete openings

Allowed deformation

Convert lines to linear elements

Convert lines to planar elements

31


38/299


Rendering

AxesAxes with section

Profiles

Linear contour

Covered faces

Ghost display

Animation

Add a camera

Display / hide cameras

Launch animation

Create an .AVI file

Animation...

Analysis - F.E. Results

Save view

Select the result type

Available results for linear and for planar elements

List of available load case

Create the exploitation

Results settings

Color Map configuration

Dynamic contouring

Animation

Result curves

Display Analysis - Reinforced Concrete Results toolbar

Display Analysis - Steel Results toolbar

Display the descriptive model (F10)

32


39/299


Analysis - Reinforced Concrete Results

Save viewSelect the result type

Available results for linear and for planar elements


Results settings


Dynamic contouring

Animation

Result curves


Analysis - Steel Results

Save view

Select the result typeAvailable results for steel linear elements


Results settings

Shape sheets

Optimization results


Dynamic contouring

Result curves


33


40/299


Display the environment elements

Pilot

Command access

From menu: choose Display > Components > Pilot;

Right-click on the edge of the drawing area and choose "Pilot" from the displayed list;

Click on icon placed on Standard toolbar to display / hide the Pilot;

Double-click on Pilot's upper side to dock / undock it on the edge of the drawing area.

Using the Pilot

To move between the three work steps, click on their corresponding icon. Thepilot's content will be different for each work step.

Click on the button placed near each item containing subordinate elements toexpand (+) or collapse (-) the associated list.

Double-click on the descriptive model components to hide or display them.

Right-click on any of the pilot's tree elements and a contextmenu appears, from which you can choose differentoptions, many of them specific to the current mode (Model,Analysis orDocument).

Note: Notice the aspect of the three icons from thePilot:

A blue icon shows that the corresponding mode is active and up to date;

A shaded icon shows that the corresponding mode is inactive;

A red icon means that the content of the corresponding working mode is outdated (and it is necessaryto recalculate the model or update its documents).

34


41/299


Properties window

Command access

From menu: choose Display > Components > Properties;

Right-click on the edge of the drawing area and choose "Properties" from the displayed list;

Using the Properties window

Double-click on Properties window's upper side to dock / undock it on the edge of the drawing area.

You can configure the Properties window's display mode using the "Keep visible" icon placed on its upper side:

Press the icon : it means that the Properties window will be displayed permanently;

Press again the "Keep visible" icon : this means that the Properties window will appear only when amodel's element is selected.

This combo-box contains selection criteria for the properties displayed in thiswindow:

"F.E. properties": displays only the properties of linear / planar elementsrelated to the finite elements hypotheses (material, section, thickness,meshing, behavior type)

"Reinforced concrete properties": displays only the properties ofconcrete linear / planar elements related to the reinforced concretedesign

"Steel properties": displays only the properties of steel linear elementsrelated to the steel design

"All properties": displays all available properties of the selected element

"User": enables the user-defined filter for the displayed properties. In this

case, press on icon to open a dialog box in which you can select, foreach type of element, the categories of attributes to display in the

properties window:

This area displays a description of the active cell's content from theproperties list. Right-click on the edges of the Properties window and you

can choose from the context menu to hide / display this area.

The Properties window contains data (name, ID number, different parameters) of the selected elements. Ifmultiple elements of the same type are selected, the properties window displays only their common data.

35


42/299


Status bar

Command access

From menu: choose Display > Components > Status bar;

Right-click on the edge of the drawing area and choose "Status bar" from the displayed list.

Using Status bar

Status bar displays on its left side information about objects and actions:

Place the cursor above a toolbar icon and a description of it will be displayed in the status bar;

Displays the name of the performing operation (launching the mesh, calculating etc) and the program'scurrent status.

Status bar contains the following configuration buttons, placed on its right side:

Select the snap mode

To enable / disable snap modes: just click on the icon or right-click on the same iconand choose enable / disable from the context menu;

To choose the snap modes: double-click on the icon or choose "Properties" from thecontext menu to open the "Snap modes" dialog box:

Tooltips configuration

Object tooltips represent floating information dynamically displayed while the object istouched by the mouse cursor;

For the object's tooltip display: just click on the icon or right-click on the same icon andchoose enable / disable from the context menu;

To add / remove data types to be displayed in the tooltip: double-click on the same icon andselect the information categories from the displayed dialog box:

Current coordinate system selection

To activate this button you must hide the workplane first, pressing icon from the

Workplane toolbar.

Double-click on this button to display a dialog box where you can choose an existingcoordinate system or create a new one:

Those buttons refer to current working units (length, force, moments, weight and angle).Double-click on any of them to display the dialog box where you can choose the workingunits.

36


43/299


Command line

Command access

From menu: choose Display > Components > Command line;

Right-click on the edge of the drawing area and choose "Command line" from the displayed list;

Double-click on the upper side of the command line window to dock / undock it on the edge of the drawing area.

Using the command line

The command line has three main functions, corresponding to the three tabs:

"Information": displays a list of executed actions:

"Errors": notifies errors:

"Edit": intermediates the dialog between user and application. With this function you can draw, move, copy etc.objects typing parameters in the dialog area of the command line:

37


44/299


Views management

Zoom

Command access

From menu: choose Display > Zoom, unwind the associated list of commands and choose a zoom function;

From the selected objects' context menu (you can zoom the view on the selected object choosing from contextmenu "Zoom / Selection" command);

From Zoom and views toolbar.

From mouse functions: you can use the mouse scroll for a target zoom: scroll up and down to zoom in or zoomout the area where the cursor is positioned. Click on the mouse scroll-wheel once to access the panning zoomcommand or twice to access the "Zoom all" command.

From keyboard: you can use keyboard shortcuts to access zoom commands (Alt + W for "Zoom window"; Alt + Afor "Zoom all" etc). The shortcuts for each zoom command are displayed in the menu (next to the commandname) or in the zoom icons tooltip.

Using Zoom toolbar

Each zoom tool may be used in different ways; for some functions of the zoom tools you will notice that the mousecursor changes its shape, as shown below:

Zoom +/-(Ctrl + / Ctrl -)

Drag from right to left to zoom in or drag from left to right to zoomthe selection out.

Drag the selection window from left to right to zoom theselection in.

Zoom window(Alt + W)

Drag the selection window from right to left to zoom theselection out.

Zoom all (Alt + A) Displays all the objects from the drawing area.

Moves the view on horizontal and vertical directions.

Moves the view horizontally.

Translation (Panning)*(Alt + P)

Moves the view vertically.

Free rotation.

Rotation around the camera's Z axis.

Rotation around the camera's X axis.

Rotation around the model*(Alt + R)

Rotation around the camera's Y axis.

Return to previous view(Alt + U)

Displays the previous view of the workplane.

* To switch between the different modes of translation and rotation, select the corresponding icon on the Zoom and views toolbar and press theTab key. During those operations, you will notice that the cursor changes its shape.

38


45/299


View types

You can view your model from different angles and perspectives, in one or more windows at a time, each windowcontaining a different view of your model. A window containing a specific view of the workspace is called a viewport.

How to work with viewports:

To create multiple viewports:

Use the icons from Predefined views toolbar

Press Ctrl + Space

To activate a viewport simply click in its area.

You can view the effects of interactive actions (such as draw, select, move elements etc) in multiple viewports atthe same time.

You ca start to draw an element in one viewport and continue in another one.

You can configure different display types for each viewport; for example: you can choose different renderingstyles, hide the workplane in one viewport and display it in other, etc.

Example of working in multiple viewports:

39


46/299


Predefined views

You can change the view of the workplane using a set of predefined views.

Command access

From menu: choose Display > Predefined views

From Predefined views toolbar: click on the icon corresponding to the view you want to set

From keyboard: you can use the arrow keys (while the rotation zoom tool is active)

Click on the coordinate system symbol placed on the bottom-left corner of the drawing area

Predefined views toolbar

1.

Ortho projection or perspective:You can obtain an ortho or a perspective view of the objects in the drawing area:

Ortho view

Perspective view

40


47/299


2.

Split views: You can use those icons to obtain a single viewport of the model or a split view with multipleviewports (horizontally, vertically, in two, three or four splits, as shown in the icon's image).

Example of a four-split view:

3.Plan and 3D views:Click on those icons to rotate the view in different angles. You can choose the view you want(from left, right, top, bottom etc.) by the blue-colored side of the icon's shape. Examples:

Right view

41


48/299


3D view (-1, -1, -1)

Note: "Front view", "Top view" and "(-1, -1, -1) view" are accessible fromZoom and viewstoolbar as well.

4.

Facing the workplane:Click this icon to display a plane front view of the workspace.

Coordinate system symbol

The main function of the coordinate system symbol is to inform you about the model position in the global coordinatesystem. When you rotate the view, the coordinate system symbol changes its orientation, informing you about themodel position.

3D views

When you place the cursor above any of the coordinate system symbol's axes, a tooltip informs you about thedirection of the view rotation:

You can change the view position from the coordinate system symbol by clicking on one of its arrows. The coordinatesystem symbol's position will change as shown below:

Plane views

42


49/299


Display management

Display styles

Command access

From menu: choose Display > Display settings...

From keyboard: press Alt + X

Modify the display style

General options

You can choose the objects' display mode by: axes; axes with section or profiles.

Click on "Rendering options" button to display the "Rendering" dialog box (see page 44).

Colors

You can choose the objects' display color by certain categories listed in the existing combo-box, such aselement family, system, material, section etc. Check the "Colors legend" option to display a color legendcorresponding to the chosen category on the bottom-left side of the drawing area.

"Highlight on mouse over": use this option to obtain a better visualization of the objects. When enabled, theobjects placed on the cursor trajectory are highlighted.

"Local axes on selection": you can choose to view the local axes of the elements when they are selected.

You can define the "Symbol size" and "Text size" for the objects displayed in the working area on a range

between a minimum and a maximum given value, using the sliding cursor. "Fixed loads scale": check this option to define the loads scale at a fixed size (the size of the heaviest load).

43


50/299


Special options

Select an object type from the left panel to configure its accessibility and display options:

Each object type may be "visible" (displayed in the drawing area) and "selectable" (to be able to selectelements from the drawing area).

From the "Symbol" combo-box you can choose, for each object type, a specific element which will bedisplayed with the correspondent object, whether this is selected or not. For example, you can assign assymbols:

Local axis for linear elements Meshing for planar elements

Annotations: click on "+" button and a new dialog box appears, from which you can choose differentannotations to be displayed with the model's elements:

Apply the settings shown in this dialog box on linearelements and their annotation will appear in this manner:

You can choose an annotation from the "Available attributes" list or you can type in the "Annotation text"box any text you want to be displayed with the selected object;

You can also define the annotation text position using the "Horizontal" and "Vertical" combo-boxes;

Press the colored rectangle and a dialog box appears where you can choose a color for the annotationtext.

Only for loads: with the "Loads scale" slider you can define the scale of each type of load between aminimum and a maximum value.

44


51/299


Create a display style

You can create a display style by a custom configuration of display parameters using the style options from the upperside of the "Display settings" dialog box:

After defining a display configuration using the display options, press the "New" button placed on the upper sideof the dialog box, and another window is displayed:

Type the new style's name.

Press "Save" button to finish.

To use a previous saved style: just select it from the styles combo-box.

To rename a display style: select it and press "Rename" button. Type the new name in the displayed dialog box:

To delete an existing style: select the style from the list and click on "Delete" button.

Tip: To return to the default display settings, click on "Default values" button.

45


52/299


CAD display settings

Command access

From menu: choose Display > Display settings... to open the "Display settings" dialog box, then click on"Advanced options" button

Press Alt + C

Configuration

General

Views

To choose a color for the workspace background: click on the colored rectangle. The Windows colorpalette is displayed. Select a color (or create a custom one) and click "OK" to apply.

Check the "Gradient" option to obtain a gradient effect for the background's color.

"Embed the mini console in the view": check this option to view the active coordinates display in the workingarea during the objects modeling:

"Expected frame-rate": refers to the number of frames per second displayed during the model manipulation.You can choose a number between 0 and 64 frames per second for the model's display speed.

CAD

"Sensibilities (in pixels)": the sensitivity number for snap and selection refers to the distance between themouse cursor and object from which the object is selected or from which the snap operation is possible. Thisdistance will increase, as the input value is higher.

"Minimum distance between 2 points": two points are considered indistinct if the distance that separatesthem is inferior to the input value.

"Simplified representation": check this option to obtain a simplified rendering of the structure (only by axes).With this command, the model's rendering occupies less space in the program's memory; you can gain thusmore speed for the calculation of very complex models.

46


53/299


Cameras

You can configure here the workplane camera parameters:

"Share the same camera mode between different views": you can configure here the visualization mode inmultiple viewports;

"Display orbit during rotations": you can choose to display the orbit during the rotation actions. This feature givesan easier access to the rotation function:

Click inside the orbit for a free rotation around the model.

Click on the orbit snaps (marked with triangle shapes) to rotatein a plan perpendicular to the view.

Click outside the orbit to rotate in a plan parallel to the view.

Dynamic transitions:

Define the number of frames for predefined transitions (for example: using predefined views);

You can choose a value for the mouse scroll zooming frame-rate;

You can input values for the view plan's margins re-framing (on horizontal and vertical);

You can configure the camera cut-planes limits (modifying the values for the distances before and after the viewplane);

Choose a value for the angle of the perspective view on the workspace (from 0 to 120).

47


54/299


Lighting

Intensities

"Ambient": you can configure the objects' luminosity;

"Diffuse": you can define the transparency degree of the object illumination (from opaque to transparent);

"Specular": modifies the degree of light reflection on objects.

You can define the position of the light source (in the coordinate system bound to the observer) by latitude andlongitude.

48


55/299


Rendering settings

Command access

Access the "Display settings" dialog box as shown on page 38. In this window: click on "Rendering options"button to display the "Rendering" dialog box.

You can access rendering commands from Rendering toolbar:

Using the rendering commands:

1. From the dialog box:

"Rendering type": check one of the renderingoptions. You can preview the effect in the rightpanel image.

"Ghost mode": defines a spectral display ofthe structure.

Check the "Illumination / Shading" option thenyou can adjust the intensity and transparencyof the objects display sliding thecorresponding cursor.

2. From Rendering toolbar, you have an easy access to rendering commands, as shown below:

Profiles

Axes Axes with section Linear contour Covered faces Ghost display

Note: You can combine the rendering modes to obtain different rendering effects.

49


56/299


Workspace configuration

Coordinate systems

Description

Coordinate systems are space-oriented axes systems with origin and orientation defined after given parameters.By default, there is a given global coordinate system.

The coordinate system representation consists in a three axes figure. Each of those axes has a different color:red forX, green forY and blue forZ.

There are three types of coordinate systems:

GlobalWorld Coordinate System: the referencecoordinate system.

Workplane Coordinate System: there is a localcoordinate system associated to the workplane.

Local

Also, each element of structure has a localcoordinate system defined by its axes orientation.

User-definedUser Coordinate System: you can create severalcoordinate systems, with different origins andorientations, and name them as you want.

Create an user-defined coordinate system

1. Access the coordinate system creation command:

From menu: choose Generate > Coordinate system

In the Pilot: right-click on a system and choose from the context menu Generate an entity > Coordinatesystem

In the drawing area: right-click and from the context menu: choose Generate an entity > Coordinatesystem

2. Choose the coordinate system's origin:

Click in the drawing area on a chosen point

Input the coordinates in the command line (separated with a space) then press Enter

3. Select the coordinate system you have created and access its properties window:

In the "Identifier" field: you can view / modify the ID number

In the "Name" field: you can type a name for the user coordinate system

50


57/299


Choose the current coordinate system

1. Hide the workplane (press F7 key or click on icon from Workplane toolbar)

2. On the status bar: double-click the coordinate system button and the "Coordinate system" dialog box opens:

3. Select a coordinate system from the list (a user-defined system or the global system) and click "OK"

4. To create a new user-defined coordinate system, click on "Create" button; the last created user-definedcoordinate system is set as current by default.

Modify the elements local axes

Select an element of structure and choose one of the following methods:

From its context menu: choose "Modify local axes" command. Notice the message displayed in the commandline: to change the object's local axes, click on the right mouse button:

The orientation of x and z axes changes using "Modify local axes" command.

From menu: choose Modify > Local axes. The selected element's local axes will change automatically.

51


58/299


Workplane

Description

The workplane represents the area designated for the drawing process. A workplane is associated with a grid (anintersecting lines system used to guide the drawing process).

There are two types of workplanes:

Cartesian Polar

Command access

From menu: choose Display > Workplane

You can also access the workplane commands from Workplane toolbar

In the drawing area: right-click and choose "Workplane On/Off"

Configuration

Define the workplane's parameters

You can select the workplane as shown below:

Place the mouse pointer on the workplane's axis and click. The workplane is now selected.

52


59/299


Configure the workplane's parameters in the properties window, as follows:

Choose from combo-box the workplane's type (cartesian or polar)

Configure the workplane's division units (by X, Y axes for cartesian workplaneand by ray and angle for the polar workplane) and the subdivision's number for

each unit.

In this example, unit's dimension = 3 meters, and there are 10 subdivisions perunit:

3 meters

You can also choose the workplane's type from the Workplane toolbar: press icon to switch betweencartesian / polar workplanes.

Defining a workplane

You can define the workplane's position (relative to the global coordinate system) using the commands fromWorkplane toolbar or from Display menu. During this time, the command line displays in the "Edit" tab the stepsyou have to follow.

Define the workplane by projection on the active view

This command defines the workplane by the model position in the current view. A plan view of the workspace is

required. Click on icon and the workplane is projected on the model. For example:

Before using the command. Click on icon to project the workplane on themodel.

Define the workplane by 3 points

Click on icon;

With the cursor in the drawing area, click to define the workplane's origin;

Move the mouse pointer to choose the 0X axis and click to define its position;

Move the mouse pointer to choose the 0Y axis and click to define its position.

53


60/299


Define the workplane by 1 point + normal (by a defined vector)

Click on icon;

Move the mouse pointer to choose the workplane's origin and click to define its position;

Choose the vector's start point and click;

Choose the vector's end point and click.

Adjust the workplane by the model

Use the "Center the workplane on the model" command ( ) to adjust the workplane to the model's dimension.For example:

a. The model exceeds the workplane's margins:

b. Use "Center the workplane on the model" command to extend the workplane:

Move the workplane by altitude

Click on icon;

Type in the command line a value to define the workplane's altitude on 0Z axis;

Press Enter.

54


61/299

Chapter 4Working steps

In this chapter:An Advance Design project building process has three major modes,each one represented in the Pilot by Model, Analysis and Documenticons. Each mode has specific operations and a distinct role in themodel design:

In Model mode you can draw the model's elements, modify them,input loads and define the analysis hypotheses;

The specific functions of Analysis mode include the meshing ofthe structure by finite elements, the model calculation (by finiteelement method, also reinforced concrete and/or steel elementscalculation) and the results exploitation;

In Document mode you can access calculation notes andgraphical view saved during the work process.

Once the model designing and analysis process are completed, youcan switch from one mode to another (clicking on the correspondingicons placed on the Pilot) and make eventual corrections or changes.

Model mode

Analysis mode

Document mode


62/299


Model mode

Components of the Model mode

The Model mode offers a tree-representation of the descriptive model components:

"Model" contains all the descriptive model elements grouped in three categories:structure, loads and hypotheses. Each of these groups contains specificelements and has particular context menus.

In "Structure" are placed all the structure elements of your model. Choose fromcontext menu Systems management > Create a subsystem to organize thestructure elements in subsystems.

"Loading" contains the load elements that you input on the structurecomponents. Loadings are organized in case families and in load cases.

"Hypotheses" allow you to access and configure structure and analysishypotheses, and to define different analysis types (static, dynamic...).

From "Envelopes": you can create and view envelopes of load cases by resultstype, element type and other criteria.

"Combinations": contains combinations of load cases you may define or youmay load from existing combinations databases.

"Saved views" contains CAD views saved during the modeling process.

56


63/299


Organize the model's elements in the Pilot

Right-click on the "Structure" system in the Pilot and select "Systems management":

Click on "Create a subsystem" command, and a subordinate system is created. You can organize model'selements in as many subordinate systems as you want, thus building a tree-structure of your model.

You can also press the F6 key while a system is selected to create a subordinate one.

To move model's elements in subordinate systems in the Pilot:

Use "drag-and-drop" method: select the elements and drag them to the system you want;

Use the element's context menu "Cut" and "Paste" commands (from the Pilot).

Tip: Before drawing an element of structure, select the system where you want to place the element. Allthe elements you create are placed in the current system, which is the selected system from thePilot.

You can save the systems structure you have created using the "Export tree" command. A "Save as" dialog boxappears, where you can type the path and name for the .XML file containing the tree structure.

You can also import in the current project previously saved system trees with "Import tree" command.

You can choose to hide or display the systems using their context menu commands:

In the Pilot, right-click on a system and choose "Hide": all the elements of the selected system are invisiblein the drawing area. To display again the system's elements: right-click on the system and choose "Display".

To display in the graphic area only the elements of a system, hiding the others: in the Pilot select thesystem, right-click and choose "Isolate".

To display all the elements of the structure (whether a system is isolated or a few systems are hidden): in thePilot right-click on any system and choose from the context menu "Display all".

Tip: A color code allows you to identify the systems more easily: Blue, for the last used system in which you have created

modified elements;

Red, for the system corresponding to the selected elements(if there is a selection).

57


64/299


65/299


Drawing methods

1. Select the object type you want to create as described above

2. In the Pilot, select the system \ subsystem where the object will be located

3. Configure the object's parameters in its properties list. Here you can configure various properties (type, material,orientation, design attributes for concrete / steel elements etc)

Note: You can modify parameters after you have drawn the element: select it and configure its parameters inthe properties window.

4. Draw the object in the graphic area (placing the cursor in the workspace or typing its coordinates in the commandline). Notice that the cursor position coordinates are displayed on the upper-left corner of the drawing area.

Draw elements using the level settings

This function is related to the level parameters of each system found in "Model" from the Pilot (levelparameters can be configured in the systems' properties list).

To draw linear and planar elements using level parameters, you must use the horizontaland verticalelementtypes. To access the horizontal and vertical elements, unwind the icons list associated to the linear and

planar elements from Modeling toolbar:

Linear elements Planar elements

General General

Vertical Vertical

Horizontal Horizontal

Select the system you want and configure its parameters in the properties list as follows:

1. Choose the level status as "Active".

2. Type the level's top and bottom coordinates; from now, using thehorizontal and vertical element types, you can draw objects onlybetween the specified coordinates.

Note: If the level settings are not configured or are inactive, the vertical and horizontal element typesbehave like the general type.

59


66/299


Draw elements using the command line

After you chose the element to create, check the command line's status. You'll see that the "Edit" tab isactive. You can create the element typing its parameters in the command line, as follows:

In 2D view: type the object's coordinates to define itsposition on X Z axes:

For the first point: type the X axis coordinate values;press Enter, and the first extremity of the object willappear on the defined point on the workplane.

For the second point: type the Z coordinate values

and press Enter.

In 3D view: first hide the workplane (press F7 key).

Proceed with the same two steps as in 2D view,except that you'll have to type 3 coordinate values:for X, Y and Z axes.

Note 1 To define the objects coordinates taking asreference the cursor position in the drawingarea, type @ (relative snap) before thecoordinate values.

Note 2 From the drawing area's context menu, checkthe "Length on element" option. This allows youto draw an element taking as reference thelength of another object.

60


67/299


Seize objects using snap points

Description

Snap points provide a fast and easy way to draw objects. They consist in points with a fixed location onobjects' coordinates, such as intersection points, midpoints, extremity points etc.

Using snap points you can easier locate exact positions, helping you to draw objects more accurate.

Command access

From Snap modes toolbar:

On the status bar, double-click on icon to open the "Snap modes" dialog box

You can also access "Snap modes" dialog box from the drawing area context menu:

While creating or handling objects, you can easily access the snap modes dialog box pressing Alt + Skeys.

To enable / disable the snap modes:

1. From the Snap modes toolbar, click on icon;

2. From the status bar: click on icon, or right-click on it and choose "Enable" / "Disable" from thecontext menu;

3. From the "Snap modes" dialog box, check / uncheck the "Active" option.

61


68/299


Using snaps

Make sure that the snap modes are active;

From "Snap modes" dialog box or from toolbar, select the snap modes you want;

Select a drawing tool (for example, a linear element);

Place the cursor above an object in the drawing area; you'll notice that the object's axis becomeshighlighted, and the selected snap points appear as a specific symbol.

Each snap mode specifies a defined point on object's coordinates, as follows:

Snap point Description Example

Endpoint Snaps to the object's extremities

Midpoint Snaps to the mid point of a segment

Intersection Snaps to the intersection of two objects

Center Snaps to the center of planar elements

Nearest Snaps to the nearest point to the mouse cursor

Perpendicular Snaps perpendicular to an object

Parallel Snaps parallel to an object

Note: For perpendicular and parallel snap modes, you must draw first at least one object, to which youmay snap while drawing another element.

You can combine different snap modes and obtain multiple snap effects. Forexample, combining parallel and midpoint snap modes, you can draw an objectparallel to another, and define the length of the object you draw at half distance ofthe reference object:

You can use different snap mode styles:

Extension mode (F12)Snaps to the intersection point of the virtual extended elements(requires the "Intersection" snap "On")

Tracking mode (F11) Snaps tracking each point between the extremities

Ortho mode (F8)Snap to ortho directions (allows to snap on straight horizontal andvertical lines)

Relative mode Sets a relative snap (no limitations for the snap position)

62


69/299


Drawing the descriptive model's elements

There are three main categories of elements you can create: structure, calculation and geometric elements. You canconfigure each object's parameters in the properties list:

When you access the drawing tool, before the element creation;

After you have drawn the element: select it and access its properties list.

Structure elements

Linear elements

Command access

From menu: choose Generate > Structure > Linear > Simple / Chained

From Modeling toolbar: click on

From the Pilot: right-click on a system and choose Generate an entity > Structure > Linear

In the drawing area: right-click and choose Generate an entity > Structure > Linear

Configuration

The properties available for the linear elements refer to the finite element characteristics (material, section,orientation, relaxations, meshing etc) and design properties corresponding to the material type (concrete - seepage 171 and steel - see page 181). You can filter the displayed properties using the combo-box placed on theupper side of the properties window.

You can view and configure here general information about the linear elements you create:ID number; name, type (bar, short beam, variable beam, beam, tie, gap, cable), system ID.You can also input observations regarding the element.

Place the cursor in this cell to display icon; click on it to access the "Materials" dialogbox, where you can choose a material type and configure its properties.

Section type: type directly the section's name, if you know it, or click on icon to

access the "Section libraries" dialog box or on icon to open the "Defined" dialog box,

where you can configure the section's parameters.

Eccentricity: to define the element's offset, expand the list and choose a predefined offsetor type the parameters you want.

You can enter a value for linear element's orientation angle, and the ID number of a point towhich the linear element's orientation should refer.

You can lock / unlock the translations and rotations for the object's extremities on X, Y and Zaxes. Those settings are significant for the calculation step.

You can type here the value for the initial constraint (only for cable linear elements).

The meshing of the linear elements is defined after the global mesh settings (see page 124).It is possible also to define locally the meshing parameters for each linear element using thefollowing options:

"Automatic": if active, the nodes are created at each intersection with the neighboredelements. When inactive the element's meshing is solved internally, without creatingnodes with the intersecting elements.

You can also impose a meshing for the concerned l inear element using the "Parameters"fields (number, size, spacing and secondary size)

Refers to the system ID from which the linear element inherits the seismic behaviorcharacteristics (see page 105).

Check the "Active" box to define the linear element as supporting element for snow and windloads.

63


70/299


Planar elements

Command access

From menu: choose Generate > Structure> Planar

From Modeling toolbar: click on

From the Pilot: right-click on a system and choose Generate an entity > Structure > Planar

In the drawing area: right-click and choose Generate an entity > Structure > Planar

Configuration

The properties available for the planar elements refer to the finite element characteristic (material, thickness,meshing etc) and the concrete design properties (see page 171).

You can view and configure here general information about the planar elements youcreate: ID number; name, type (membrane, plate, shell, plane strain), system ID. You

can also input observations regarding the element.

Click on the icon to open the "Materials" dialog box and to choose the planar element'smaterial type.

You can configure here the planar element's thickness and its variation on x and yslopes.

The meshing of the planar elements is defined after the global mesh settings (seepage 124). It is possible also to define locally the meshing parameters for each planarelement using the following options:

"Automatic": if active, the nodes are created at each intersection with theneighbored elements. When inactive the element's meshing is solved internally,without creating nodes with the inters